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<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the <keyword id="19998949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unified-Payments-Interface" source="keywords">Unified Payments Interface</keyword> in the archipelago nation, which will have a "very positive" impact on its <keyword id="20260982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-sector" source="keywords">tourism sector</keyword>, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday during Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives. "Witnessed signing of MoU between (the) National Payments Corporation of India and (the) Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on (the) introduction of (a) digital payment system in the Maldives," he said in a post on X. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. Addressing a press conference with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer after their "productive discussions", Jaishankar said that India, through its UPI, has "revolutionised digital transactions". Stressing that it has taken financial inclusion in India to new levels, he said "Today 40 per cent of the world's real-time digital payments take place in our country." "We see this revolution, every day in our lives. I am pleased to note that with the signing of the MoU today, we have taken the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to Maldives," he said. "I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism," he added. Tourism is the main source of economic activity for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the GDP and generating more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange. Jaishankar's visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year. "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges, as witnessed in the past," Jaishankar said. "It is a partnership that has enabled us to deliver results and bring tangible benefits to our people in accordance with their wishes, aspirations and priorities," he said. In a post on X, Jaishankar also said, "Jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education." "Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on (the) training of additional 1,000 civil services officers," he added. Addressing the joint press conference, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, "India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner." He said the "enduring friendship" was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years. "High-level exchanges between our countries have deepened our dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest. We remain dedicated to strengthening and advancing this mutually beneficial partnership," he said. "Minister Dr Jaishankar and I agreed that much more needs to be done to promote trade and investment between the Maldives and India," he said, adding that both sides are committed to establishing "effective mechanisms to enhance economic cooperation, fostering a vibrant and prosperous partnership that will benefit both the nations." Zameer said he conveyed President Muizzu's proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India. "This agreement alongside other economic and trade-related agreements will facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the risks of doing business in both our countries," he said. Zameer said that India and Maldives have also mutually agreed to further strengthen their partnership by continuing joint exercises and expanding training opportunities for officers from both countries, asserting that this reflects "our commitment to working together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region." India's relations with the Maldives suffered a major setback last year when President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date. "On regional and multilateral issues of importance, our countries have a common understanding and are united in our efforts to resolve them. We agreed to continue our cooperation on issues ranging from combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking and to the promotion and protection of human rights," Zameer said. In his press statement, Jaishankar said that India and the Maldives "are not just close neighbours, we are also natural partners." "Today, we are mutually invested in each other's development and progress. In a globalised and interconnected world, we see a lot of volatility and global tensions. Even as the world is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been confronted with new challenges arising from international conflicts," he said. In this tumultuous environment, India has been and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours. To the Maldives specifically, India has provided support to deal with economic challenges through financial assistance and budgetary support, and by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items, he noted. India's actions have been and will continue to be guided by its firm commitment to the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas - which is- Together, we prosper', Jaishankar said. 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India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives

The recently-crowned <keyword id="22332912" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="T20-world-champion" source="keywords">T20 world champion</keyword> <keyword id="19994380" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-cricket-team" source="keywords">Indian cricket team</keyword> has been invited to celebrate its triumph in <keyword id="19926427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maldives" source="keywords">Maldives</keyword> by the country's <keyword id="22332913" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-association" source="keywords">tourism association</keyword> and its marketing and public relations corporation. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team won the trophy in <keyword id="20398397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Barbados" source="keywords">Barbados</keyword> after beating South Africa by seven runs in the final on June 29. "Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) have jointly extended a special and open invitation to the Indian National Cricket Team," the two bodies said in a joint statement. Ibrahim Shiuree, the CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, and Ahmed Nazeer, Secretary General of MATI, said they look forward to hosting the team, which returned to India on Thursday last week. It was welcomed by frenzied fans in both Delhi and Mumbai, which also played host to a victory parade featuring lakhs of supporters. "We would be honoured to host you and ensure that your stay is filled with memorable moments, relaxation, and bespoke experiences," Shiuree and Nazeer said in in the joint statement. They said the invitation also highlights the strong and long-standing cultural and sporting ties between the Maldives and India. "It would be an immense honour for the Maldives to welcome the Indian Cricket Team and share in the joy of their triumph," Shiuree further said. "We eagerly await the opportunity to host them, offering the perfect setting for them to create lasting memories of their <keyword id="20400247" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="victory-celebration" source="keywords">victory celebration</keyword>," he added. The team is currently on a break. Its next international assignment is a six-match limited-overs series against <keyword id="19931726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka" source="keywords">Sri Lanka</keyword> beginning July 27. The series comprises three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.

Maldives' tourism body invites T20 world champ Indian team to celebrate trophy there

<ul class="generic-article__summary--ul content--ul"><li class="generic-article__summary--li content--li">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on first foreign trip since winning re-election.</li><li class="generic-article__summary--li content--li">India is pursuing a ‘neighbourhood first’ foreign policy centred on its allies in South Asia.</li></ul>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first overseas trip since being elected to a second term by travelling to Sri Lanka and Maldives where he sought to fend off China’s influence on the strategic nations. Modi on Sunday was received at the airport in Colombo by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, before scheduled talks with President Maithripala Sirisena and opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. Modi was stopping in Colombo for a few hours on his return home after an official visit to neighbouring Maldives, where he inaugurated a coastal radar system and military training centre. <div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="Narendra Modi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1134082549041393672/QbihPzrL_normal.png" favoritecount="19448" retweetcount="2835" status="Happy to be back in Sri Lanka, my third visit to this beautiful island in four years. Share the warmth shown by the… https://t.co/1i6uy8yaUa" createdat="1560060219000" id="1137601127602540545"></div>

 Sri Lanka has leased a Chinese-built port located near the world’s busiest east-west shipping route to a Chinese firm in 2017 for 99 years in a bid to recover from the heavy burden of repaying a Chinese loan to build the facility. Hambantota port is part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative that stretches from Chinese waters to the Persian Gulf. In March this year, China also agreed to provide a <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3002960/china-give-us989-million-loan-sri-lanka-major-new-motorway" class="link-text">US$989 million loan</a> to Sri Lanka to build a motorway that will connect the island nation’s tea-growing central region to the southern port. Sri Lanka has been trying to balance both Asian giants.

It’s ‘India first’ as PM Narendra Modi seeks to fend off China in Maldives and Sri Lanka

More officers from neighbouring counties will be trained at India's prestigious strategic leadership institution - <keyword id="66533" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Defence-College">National Defence College</keyword> (NDC) - as New Delhi increases its engagement with neighbours to counter the growing influence of China. Five more friendly countries -- <keyword id="169344" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tajikistan">Tajikistan</keyword>, <keyword id="8692" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indonesia">Indonesia</keyword>, <keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword>, Uzbekistan and <keyword id="3750" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Philippines">Philippines</keyword> -- will now be able to send their officers to India for annual training in national and international security-related fields. "In the next two years, NDC is going to increase intake of 20 participants from its current capacity of 100," Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said during opening statement of the diamond jubilee of the institution. NDC was inaugurated in 1960 with 21 participants. Kumar said that the seats have been increased keeping in view of huge demand India is getting from friendly foreign nations. Out of existing 100 capacity, 75 are reserved for Indian senior defence and civil services officers and 25 are for officers from foreign nations across the continents. It is learnt that out of 20 increased seats almost half of them would be reserved for friendly foreign nations. The seats are also reserved for officers coming from Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The officer said that 10 seats would be increased in 2021 and another 10 in 2022. The NDC also functions as an important instrument of the state towards fostering and enhancing strong relationships with friendly countries, not only in the neighbourhood but also globally. Further, Kumar said, from next session 'President Chair of Excellence' has been planned to be established in the institution. The aim of NDC is to equip future policymakers with the background necessary for a broad understanding of the varied social, economic, political, military, scientific and organisational aspects involved in the planning of national strategy. The recent changes in the geopolitical environment and reshaping of the world order accompanied by the heightened security scenario in the Indo-Pacific and the Indian sub-continent has a direct impact on the development of India. Hence, it was only apt for the NDC to discuss the various issues affecting India. The institution has also planned Diamond Jubilee international webinar from November 5 to November 6 with the main theme on 'India's National Security - The Decade Ahead'. The two-day webinar will commence with a keynote address by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh when he addresses the graduating members of the 60th NDC course. The webinar will witness discussion on important topics relevant to the present geopolitical situation in the world and the relevance of emerging international order to India during and the post-Covid period. The sub themes include talks by various speakers on the geopolitics in 21st century followed by a discussion on transformation of India and its security horizon over the next decade. Further, a total 30 chiefs of services, 74 chiefs of services of foreign nations, 20 ambassadors, two election commissioners and two governors are alumni of the institution. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/sbis-profit-jumps-over-50-in-q2-plans-to-outperform-the-industry-in-credit-growth/articleshow/79039165.cms">SBI’s profit jumps over 50% in Q2 — India’s largest bank plans to outperform the industry when it comes to credit growth</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/tcs-infosys-hcl-tech-and-wipro-share-price-jump-amid-us-election-result-between-biden-and-trump/articleshow/79038249.cms">Indian IT stocks are surging as the US Presidential election comes down to the wire</a>

India enlists five more countries to send their officers to train at the National Defence College

<ul><li>Ibrahim Mohamed <keyword id="6668637" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="solih">Solih</keyword> defeated incumbent leader Abdulla <keyword id="298326" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Yameen">Yameen</keyword> by 134,616 votes to the latter’s 96,132 in the election, as per data from <keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword>’ foreign ministry. </li><li>The result portends a renewed strengthening of ties between <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and the island nation, which declined under the tenure of Yameen. </li><li>Solih, who had the support of former Presidents Nasheed and Gayoom, is expected to reverse his predecessor’s authoritarian and heavily pro-China approach once he takes power later this year. </li></ul>Apprehension gave way to delight in New Delhi yesterday as the preliminary results of Maldives’ hotly contested Presidential election came to light. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the candidate put forth against the incumbent leader Abdulla Yameen, defeated his opponent by 134,616 votes to the latter’s 96,132, as per data from Maldives’ foreign ministry. The result portends a renewed strengthening of ties between India and the island nation, which began declining after the ouster of former President Mohamed Nasheed in 2012. In the aftermath, the country revoked a contract awarded to an Indian consortium for the upgrade of its international airport and eventually awarded it to a Chinese company in 2014. India out, <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> in Under Yameen’s tenure, which began in 2013, Maldives butted heads with India on a number of issues such as the denial of work visas to hundreds of Indian citizens, the return of two helicopters gifted by India, the unfair sentencing of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and the state of emergency declared in February 2018. Infact, Maldives is the only country in the region that Modi hasn’t visited since he became Prime Minister in May 2014. As ties with India disintegrated, Maldives moved closer into China’s embrace. Yameen signed a free trade agreement with China in December 2017 despite protests from the country’s opposition leaders for rushing the deal through the Parliament. In doing so, the island country became the second nation after Pakistan to enter into a free trade agreement with China. Like Pakistan, Maldives also decided to participate in China’s <keyword id="4443512" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Belt-and-Road-Initiative">Belt and Road Initiative</keyword>. The strong relationship stoked concerns in India, which feared China would boost its military presence in the island nation. A new era? India has now has its hopes set on the incoming President of Maldives to reinvigorate ties with it. Solih, who had the support of former Presidents Nasheed and Gayoom, is expected to reverse his predecessor’s authoritarian and heavily pro-China approach once he takes power in November. The cofounder of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which is chaired by Nasheed, will likely try to maintain close relations with China, but will be wary of the debt trap faced by countries that have become part of the BRI. Given the opposition by his side to the free trade agreement with China, the deal could be reviewed. India could use this as an opportunity to regain influence in the country.

Here’s what the result of Maldives’ Presidential election means for India and China

<ul><li>Nearly 70% of the respondents in a survey conducted by a Singapore-based think tank, said that their governments should be careful when it came to negotiating <keyword id="387907" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="BRI">BRI</keyword> projects with <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>. </li><li>In June 2018, Indian PM Narendra <keyword id="6354642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi">Modi</keyword> decided against endorsing the programme, citing threats to “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of participating nations. </li><li>In August last year, <keyword id="8695" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malaysia">Malaysia</keyword>’s new prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, scrapped $22 billion of Chinese infrastructure projects, pointing out their lack of feasibility. </li></ul> Many more countries are viewing China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with suspicion. China’s expanding presence across the rest of Asia, primarily through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has drawn its fair share of detractors in the Western world such as the US, which has been weary of its increase military operations. In particular, the initiative's critics have cited China’s expansionism across Southeast Asia by extending large sums of credit to governments of smaller nations for development projects. Closer to home, the BRI, which involves infrastructure investments and trade partnerships across the region, has also been looked upon with apprehension by <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>. In June 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-refuses-to-endorse-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative/article24128902.ece">against endorsing the programme</a>, citing the threats to “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of participating nations. However, India isn’t alone in its doubts about the BRI. Nearly 70% of the respondents in <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/se-asian-peers-back-indias-stance-on-bri/articleshow/67615805.cms">a survey</a> conducted across Southeast Asia earlier this month by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a Singapore-based think tank, said that their governments should be careful when it came to negotiating BRI projects with China. In addition, around half the respondents felt that China intended to turn the region into <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/southeast-asia-wary-china-belt-road-initiative-survey-190107030233089.html">“its sphere of influence”</a> while 60% felt that the US’s clout in the region had deteriorated over the past year. A third also said that the BRI was distinguished by a lack of transparency. In fact, the doubts were overwhelmingly expressed by respondents in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. “Encourages dependency” The apprehension is well-founded, as China has made significant inroads into most of India’s immediate neighbours- <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, <keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword> and most importantly, Pakistan, through <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/china-defends-cpec-as-pakistan-assesses-the-viability-of-the-initiative/articleshow/66134638.cms">the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a> (which also runs through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir), thereby straining India’s relations with these countries and forming a strategic military circle around it, commonly referred to as the “String of Pearls.” In addition, its practice of investing large sums in these countries in lieu of infrastructure development and access to their markets, has raised concerns that by trapping these countries in a debt cycle, it wields a unhealthy level of influence over them. This can be seen in Pakistan, which is mired in a debt crisis, and Sri Lanka, which <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/12/world/asia/sri-lanka-china-port.html">surrendered a 99-year lease</a> on its $1.3 billion Hambantota port to China in December 2017 after failing to meet its debt payments. In March last year, the former US Secretary of State didn’t mince any words with regards to his administration’s <a href="https://translations.state.gov/2018/03/06/remarks-secretary-of-state-rex-tillerson-on-u-s-africa-relations-a-new-framework/">view of China’s overtures to smaller nations</a>, saying that the country “encourages dependency using opaque contracts, predatory loan practices, and corrupt deals that mire nations in debt and undercut their sovereignty”. In August last year, Malaysia’s new prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, scrapped <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/malaysia-has-axed-22-billion-of-chinese-backed-projects-in-a-blow-to-chinas-grand-plan-to-dominate-world-trade/articleshow/65490794.cms">$22 billion of Chinese infrastructure projects</a>, pointing out their lack of feasibility and the need to reduce the country’s debt burden. India has made attempts to counter China’s influence, but it simply doesn’t boast the same financial clout. In December 2018, the Indian government announced that it was extending <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-cost-of-gaining-influence-india-promises-maldives-1-4-billion-in-aid-as-the-island-nation-looks-to-reduce-its-debts-to-china/articleshow/67141562.cms">$1.4 billion</a> in financial aid to Maldives to fund its “socio-economic development” programs and pay back some of its loans to China. For its part, China seems unperturbed by conventional opinions regarding the BRI. Despite the bad PR and unwillingness of some countries to cooperate, the country does not seem to have any intentions of slowing down. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pakistans-new-government-just-took-an-important-first-step-to-reducing-its-debt-obligation-to-china/articleshow/66053651.cms">Pakistan’s new government just took an important first step to reducing its debt obligation to China</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/malaysia-has-axed-22-billion-of-chinese-backed-projects-in-a-blow-to-chinas-grand-plan-to-dominate-world-trade/articleshow/65490794.cms">Malaysia has axed $22 billion of Chinese-backed projects, in a blow to China's grand plan to dominate world trade</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/as-sri-lankas-political-crisis-continues-its-unofficial-government-has-awarded-two-key-port-contracts-to-chinese-companies-heres-what-that-means-for-india/articleshow/66879136.cms">As Sri Lanka’s political crisis continues, its ‘unofficial’ government has awarded two key port contracts to Chinese companies — here’s what that means for India</a>

China’s Belt and Road Initiative is stoking fear across Southeast Asia

(Image source-https://presidency.gov.mv) <ul><li>On 17 December, the Indian government announced that it was extending $1.4 billion in financial <keyword id="6421428" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="aid">aid</keyword> to the island nation to help the latter fund its “socio-economic development” programs. </li><li>During the previous administration of President Abdullah Yameen, <keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword> took on a lot of loans from Chinese entities to fund infrastructure projects and currently needs to service them. </li><li>As part of his election agenda, Maldives’ new President, Mohamed <keyword id="6668637" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="solih">Solih</keyword>, said he would renegotiate or cancel contracts that the previous government had signed with <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> so as to curtail the country’s <keyword id="44647" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="debt">debt</keyword> burden. </li></ul> As expected, the visit of Maldives’ new President, Mohamed Solih, to India this week primarily hinged on one goal: securing some form of financial assistance to help it repay its debts. India’s Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, seeking to cement a relationship with an important regional neighbour, was happy to oblige. On 17 December, the Indian government - which is currently struggling to meet its fiscal deficit targets - <a href="http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1556315">announced</a> that it was extending $1.4 billion in financial aid to the island nation. The assistance won’t completely be a direct cash transfer, but will also take the form of currency swap and credit lines. In exchange, India could also be allowed to <a href="https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/india-offers-us1-billion-in-exchange-for-military-presence-142961">establish a military presence</a> in Maldives. The announcement is a natural progression in the relationship between the two countries following the election win of Solih, which portended a move away from China in favour of India. The two countries also signed a number of pacts, one of which related to visa facilitation. The Indian government said that the aid would be used to help Maldives fund its “socio-economic development” programmes. However, Maldives finances clearly need a boost as it looks to service what could be as much a few billion dollars of debt to China, although the actual number has <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/after-building-spree-just-how-much-does-the-maldives-owe-china-5462332/">proved elusive so far</a>. During the previous administration of President Abdullah Yameen, the island nation took on a lot of debt from Chinese entities to fund infrastructure projects like bridges and airports. From China’s point of view, it made sense to gain influence in a country which fell in the middle of many important shipping routes towards the West. As part of his election agenda, Solih said he would renegotiate or cancel contracts that the Yameen government had signed with China so as to curtail the country’s debt burden. Last month, he was reportedly planning <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-bid-for-greater-influence-in-the-maldives-gets-a-boost-as-the-island-nation-reportedly-looks-to-scrap-a-trade-deal-with-china/articleshow/66708410.cms">to scrap a free trade agreement </a>with China. The Modi administration sees China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean as a threat and hence, is looking to neutralise it by strengthening ties with regional neighbours. The example of Maldives is a suitable template for many countries in the region, such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Malaysia, that find themselves with a lot of debts to repay to China. Wresting influence in Maldives from China will be an important win for India as it looks to protect its interests in the Indian Ocean. While it doesn’t boast the financial clout of China, it will, in all likelihood, have no choice but to offer financial and trade incentives to countries in the region. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-bid-for-greater-influence-in-the-maldives-gets-a-boost-as-the-island-nation-reportedly-looks-to-scrap-a-trade-deal-with-china/articleshow/66708410.cms">India’s bid for greater influence in the Maldives gets a boost as the island nation reportedly looks to scrap a trade deal with China</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/heres-what-the-result-of-maldives-presidential-election-means-for-india-and-china/articleshow/65948750.cms">Here’s what the result of Maldives’ Presidential election means for India and China</a>

The cost of gaining influence: India promises Maldives $1.4 billion in aid as the island nation looks to reduce its debts to China

Logistic supply agreements with various countries have helped the <keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword> to enhance its role as the primary responder to any crisis, especially in the <keyword id="150701" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean-Region">Indian Ocean Region</keyword> (IOR). The Indian Navy has reciprocal military logistics agreements with US, France, Australia, South Korea and Singapore. Japan is the sixth country that India signed logistics agreements with earlier this month. "India is now moving ahead to sign similar deals with Russia and United Kingdom," said a senior government official. While India has some notable accomplishments as an overseas responder, the assistance to Maldivian President Gayoom as part of Operation Cactus in 1988 was a key event. Thereafter the 'coming of age' event for the Indian Navy was the post-tsunami response in December 2004, which went on well into 2005.The tsunami was catastrophic for many nations in Asia, particularly in South and South East Asia where India was one of the most severely affected nations."Whilst the Indian nation mobilised all resources at its disposal, including the armed forces, to provide succour to its citizens, it did not forget its neighbours," said the official adding that as a responsible neighbour and collaborator, the government of the day rushed help and supplies to many countries in South and South East Asia; principal being Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia. Recognising India's capabilities and resources, the US invited India to be a part of the Tsunami Core Group, the others being Japan and Australia. The group was subsequently expanded to include the UN, EU and Canada. The Tsunami Core Group clearly brought out the capabilities and response mechanisms of nations with similar governance and ability to reach out to others in their hour of need. The original core group would pave the way for the 2007 proposal of Shinzo Abe, then Prime Minister of Japan for initiation of a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or 'Quad'. "We are currently dissecting QUAD 2.0 and how it is an anti-China group, which may be a disservice to the larger aims of this grouping," the official explained. The Tsunami was a trigger for many reforms and change in operational mindset for India. India and its Navy realised the need for large deck amphibious ships; ships that can carry men and material to places that are in need of them and using helicopters on the ships to quickly transfer them ashore, as also more pronounced outreach. India was one of the first responders in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict and directed the Indian Navy to evacuate Indian nationals. Along with Indians, the Navy evacuated Sri Lankans, Nepalese and Lebanese nationals. In 2015, India launched Operation Raahat and ordered the Indian Navy into war-torn Yemen to evacuate Indian nationals. Along with Indians, the Navy rescued more than 1,000 nationals from over 30 nations, including the US and UK, who directed their citizens to seek help from India. The Navy has therefore been doing the heavy-lifting in the Indian Ocean Region to help countries in the region and beyond. "Operational logistics simply put, is ensuring availability of diesel, spares and lubricants for machinery onboard ships and water and food for the crew, towards undertaking uninterrupted operations," the official pointed out. It makes sense to get these operational logistic requirements from close to an area of operation, rather than from India. This is particularly so if naval ships are undertaking an operation say in the Southern Indian Ocean or South East Asia. The logical step, therefore, is to identify nations and their infrastructure that have the capacity to provide services to India to facilitate continued operations. Similarly, nations that have amicable relations with India and enjoy a high level of inter-operability also prefer to have similar agreements with India to suit their needs in the region. Towards this, India has in recent years, concluded Logistic Supply Agreements with many nations across the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. "These provide our nation with the ability to expeditiously respond to an emerging situation in remote and inaccessible parts of the world, using the assets of the Indian Armed Forces," the official added. As the world shifts increasingly towards multi-lateralism, India is negotiating various new agreements and pacts with like-minded nations to meet common threats and challenges. "One must also remember that agreements and pacts are not always a zero-sum game," the official said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/its-not-just-india-chinese-intelligence-has-its-eye-on-more-than-2-4-million-individuals-across-the-us-japan-canada-australia-and-the-uk/articleshow/78101034.cms">It's not just India — Chinese intelligence has its eye on more than 2.4 million individuals across the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, and the UK</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-border-tension-will-be-in-focus-as-the-parliaments-monsoon-session-begins-today/articleshow/78098575.cms">India-China border tension will be in focus as the Parliament's Monsoon session begins today</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/all-eyes-on-parliaments-monsoon-session-the-banking-regulation-amendment-bill-2020-may-not-be-on-the-docket-for-long/articleshow/78101791.cms">All eyes on Parliament's Monsoon session — the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020 may not be on the docket for long</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/hcl-tech-share-price-jumps-after-mid-quarter-guidance-pulling-tcs-infosys-wipro-and-tech-mahindra-in-the-green-along-with-it/articleshow/78103743.cms">HCL Tech's mid-quarter guidance optimism sparks rally in TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra too</a>

India reportedly set to sign Japan-like military pacts with Russia and the UK

Army chief Gen MM Naravane will arrive in Nepal on Wednesday on a three-day crucial visit, which Indian officials here say will deepen the long-standing bonds of friendship between the two armies and provide an opportunity for both sides to explore avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence partnership for mutual benefit. Naravane's visit is largely aimed at resetting relations with the Himalayan nation after the ties came under severe strain following a bitter border row. Gen Naravane is visiting Nepal at the official invitation of Nepal Army chief Gen Purnachandra Thapa. Indian Embassy spokesperson Naveen Kumar said that Gen Naravane's visit "will deepen the long-standing and customary bonds of friendship between the two armies." "His visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the bilateral defence partnership and explore avenues to further strengthen it for mutual benefit." Gen Naravane will pay homage at the martyrs' memorial at the Army Pavilion on Thursday morning and receive a guard of honour at the Nepal Army headquarters, according to Nepal Army sources. He will hold formal talks with his Nepalese counterpart at the Nepal Army headquarters on Thursday. Mutual interests between the two armies and bilateral relations will mainly feature during the talk, Nepal Army sources said. The <keyword id="78682" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-army-chief">Indian Army chief</keyword> will also gift an ambulance and medical equipment for a mobile field hospital to be operated by the Nepal Army. He will also hold interaction with senior officials at the Nepal Army headquarters. In the afternoon, the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> chief will be conferred with the honorary rank of General of Nepal Army by President Bidya Devi Bhandari amidst a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also pay a courtesy call on President Bhandari after the ceremony. Gen Naravane will attend a dinner reception hosted by Nepal Army chief at Nepal Army headquarters. Gen Naravane will address the student officers at the Army Command and Staff College at Shivapuri, in the outskirts of Kathmandu on Friday morning. In the afternoon, Gen Naravane will meet Prime Minister and Defence Minister K.P Sharma Oli at the Prime Minister's Official Residence at Baluwatar before wrapping up his visit. "I am delighted to be visiting Nepal on their kind invitation and to meet my counterpart Gen Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army. I am sure this visit will go a long way in strengthening the bonds of friendship that the two armies cherish," Gen Naravane said in New Delhi ahead of the visit. The Chief of Army Staff said he was also grateful for the opportunity to call on Prime Minister Oli. India's decision to send the Army Chief to Nepal to reset the ties is seen as part of a larger exercise by New Delhi to rejuvenate relations with Myanmar, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan in the wake of greater efforts by China to expand its influence in the region. The ties between the two countries came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal protested the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through its territory. Days later, Nepal came out with the new map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories. After Nepal released the map, India reacted sharply, calling it a "unilateral act" and cautioning Kathmandu that such "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it. In June, Nepal's Parliament approved the new political map of the country featuring areas which India maintains belong to it. In its reaction after Nepal's lower house of parliament approved the bill, India termed as untenable the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims by the neighbouring country. India said Nepal's action violates an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. Nepal Prime Minister Oli has been asserting that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal and vowed to "reclaim" them from India. The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory - India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district.

Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane to begin three day Nepal visit today amid border tensions with China

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/B MathurA surface-to-surface Agni V missile during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, January 26, 2013.</div></div></div><ul><li>India successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday, giving it strike capabilities currently had by only a few countries.</li><li>The test comes amid a heightened period of tensions with India's nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan and China.</li><li>India has been beefing up its military capacities in recent years, buying hardware and developing missiles.</li></ul> India successful tested the Agni 5 missile on Thursday, moving it closer to joining the small group of countries with access to nuclear-capable intercontinental missiles.This is India's first successful test of the Agni 5 at its full range, the Indian Ministry of <keyword id="6354810" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Defense">Defense</keyword> said in a <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx?mincode=33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">release</a>. The test also marks a significant step in India's military development amid tensions with China and Pakistan.The <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/agni-5-nuclear-capable-ballistic-missile-successfully-test-fired-1801610">missile test was conducted</a> on an island off India's east coast, flying for 19 minutes and covering more than 3,000 miles. It was the fifth such test and the third consecutive one firing the missile from a canister on a road-mobile launcher, the Indian Ministry of Defense said. All five tests have been successful.The ministry said "all objectives" of the latest test were met and it "reaffirms the country's indigenous missile capabilities and further strengthens our credible deterrence."The Agni 5 is the most advanced in the Agni series, part of a program that began in the 1980s. It has a range of more than 3,100 miles and puts India <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/18/world/asia/india-ballistic-missile-icbm.html?smid=tw-share&amp;_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">among countries</a> like the US, China, and Russia that have access to intercontinental ballistic missiles. The missile is also set for incorporation into India's Strategic Forces Command, which oversees the country's nuclear-weapons stockpile.The three-stage missile is 55 feet long and is capable of carrying a payload of more than 1.5 tons, which is enough to carry "fusion boosted fission warheads with a yield of 200-300 kilotonnes," <a href="http://www.delhidefencereview.com/2018/01/18/successful-pre-induction-trial-of-indias-agni-v-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-takes-it-closer-to-deployment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to an editorial by Saurav Jha, the editor in chief of the Delhi Defense Review.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Indian Defence Research and Development OrganizationA surface-to-surface Agni V missile is launched from Wheeler Island off the eastern Indian state of Odisha, April 19, 2012.</div></div></div><h2>Heightened tensions with India's neighbors</h2>India is currently in a tense period of relations with its western neighbor, Pakistan, with which it has long had a contentious relationship. New Delhi <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-test-fires-missile-amid-perceived-threats-from-china-pakistan-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has said</a> it faces a threat from Pakistan's development of a nuclear missile program of its own.New Delhi and Beijing went through a protracted standoff over a sliver of land in the eastern Himalayas over the summer - the worst border dispute between the two countries in three decades. The <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/surge-in-chinese-transgressions-faceoffs-on-line-of-actual-control-5018330/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">number of faceoffs</a> between Indian and Chinese personnel in disputed areas on their shared border increased considerably in 2017.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://twitter.com/ThePrintIndia/status/898871876813967361">The Print/Twitter</a>A still image of Indian and Chinese troops clashing on the border in the eastern Himalayas, August 15, 2017.</div></div></div>The latest period of border tension was punctuated by a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/video-of-chinese-indian-troops-fighting-with-stones-at-himalaya-border-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brief hand-to-hand, rock-throwing clash</a> in another disputed area in the western Himalayas.China has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/18/world/asia/india-ballistic-missile-icbm.html?smid=tw-share&amp;_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criticized</a> India's development of the Agni 5 and <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/china-hopes-india-us-australia-japan-quadrilateral-wont-damage-third-party/articleshow/61521305.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expressed dismay</a> about India's growing defense ties with the US and other countries in the region.India has been boosting its military development over the past few years, largely in response to the growing Chinese presence in the region, which is home to heavily trafficked and strategically valuable shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.Beijing now has a presence at ports in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/indias-concern-with-beijing-expansion-grows-with-sri-lanka-port-deal-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sri Lanka</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-hoping-to-extend-maritime-reach-china-lavishes-aid-on-pakistan-town-2017-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pakistan</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-troops-to-overseas-base-operational-security-concerns-for-us-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Djibouti</a>, and has a growing relationship with <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/indias-regional-power-credentials-under-threat-by-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Maldives</a>. China's navy, its <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-troops-to-overseas-base-operational-security-concerns-for-us-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submarines in particular</a>, is increasingly active in the Indian Ocean, especially around the Malacca Strait, through which the country passes about 80% of its fuel supplies.India has expanded its <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-submarine-warfare capabilities</a> and its acquisition of military hardware, like warships and fighter jets. It is also <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">looking to boost</a> its domestic military industry through partnerships with international firms. Some parts of its missile program, however, have <a href="https://theprint.in/2017/12/24/setback-for-indian-missile-programme-two-failures-in-a-week-submarine-version-stuck/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced setbacks</a> in recent weeks.<h2>Advances in India's missile technology</h2>With the Agni 5, New Delhi is now able to hit targets in most of China - including major cities on the country's east coast. The missile's mobile-deployment capacity also makes it harder to track and boosts India's second-strike capabilities. Its reentry vehicle may also <a href="http://www.delhidefencereview.com/2018/01/18/successful-pre-induction-trial-of-indias-agni-v-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-takes-it-closer-to-deployment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mitigate</a> ballistic-missile defenses being developed by China."If there are hostilities, and if there are contingencies, then India has something which can deter China or at least make China think twice," Nitin A. Gokhale, an independent national-security analyst in India, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/18/world/asia/india-ballistic-missile-icbm.html?smid=tw-share&amp;_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> The New York Times.India has made other advances in its missile technology in recent months.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Kamal KishoreIndia's Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, mounted on a truck, during a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 23, 2006.</div></div></div>In late November, India's air force <a href="https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/23/india-successfully-test-fires-fastest-cruise-missile-from-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it become the first air force in the world to successfully test an air-launched Brahmos supersonic cruise missile, <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx?mincode=33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after firing one</a> of the 5,500-pound, two-stage missiles from a modified Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet at a sea target off India's east coast.The successful test in November gave India the ability to launch the missile from sea, land, and air.The Brahmos, which is based on Russia's P-800 Oniks sea-skimming cruise missile, was <a href="https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/23/india-successfully-test-fires-fastest-cruise-missile-from-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a joint project</a> between New Delhi and Moscow. Russia provided 65% of the missile's components, while India supplied the majority of the rest.The Brahmos is reportedly <a href="https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/23/india-successfully-test-fires-fastest-cruise-missile-from-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">able to carry</a> a 660-pound warhead up to 250 miles, traveling at speeds up to Mach 3. That combination of speed, range, and explosive power makes the missile a threat to large surface ships, like aircraft carriers, as well as to fortified targets on land. Its speed and low altitude may also mean that anti-missile defense, especially shipboard ones, <a href="https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/23/india-successfully-test-fires-fastest-cruise-missile-from-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">would have trouble</a> intercepting it. There is also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/india-test-fires-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile-from-fighter-jet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">speculation</a> the missile could be modified to carry a nuclear warhead. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/animated-map-changes-way-see-world-india-greenland-texas-united-states-africa-south-america-2017-4">These 10 maps will change the way you see the world</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

India's latest missile test puts it closer to joining an exclusive club and will 'make China think twice'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="23944870" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonya-Moore" source="keywords">Sonya Moore</keyword> decided that if Trump won in 2016, she would leave the US.</li><li>She followed through and has been living abroad for seven years.</li></ul>"If Trump wins this election, I'm <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-reelected-americans-are-planning-to-flee-in-droves-2024-3">moving out of the country</a>." I said those words in November 2016. So did a lot of other Americans: so many, in fact, that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canadian-immigration-site-crash-election-2016-11">Canada's immigration website crashed</a> as votes were being tallied due to increased traffic. No joke. I don't know how many others <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-who-left-us-because-of-trump-talk-biden-presidency-2020-12">followed through on that declaration</a>, but I did. Trump won the election, and 9 months later, I left the US. Full disclosure: Trump becoming president was not the only reason I left — it was also about being fed up with my corporate job, coupled with a strong desire to explore the world. I was 37, single, with no children or pets, so I was free to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-mom-quit-job-expat-move-abroad-qatar-singapore-2023-12">quit my job</a>, uproot myself, and take off. I did own a house at the time, which I sold a few months after I left. Upon my departure, I didn't have much of a plan other than the intention to spend some time slowly exploring Asia and teaching English when I needed to make money. This no-plan thing was out of character for me, but I was very comfortable with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/southeast-asia-travel-mistakes-packing-weather-clothing-traditions-medicine-2024-4">solo international travel</a>, thanks to previous study abroad experiences and 14 years of intensive overseas work-related travel. <div type="image" title="Sonya Moore in Siem Reap, Cambodia" height="1280" width="1600" msid="115071450" hostid="261"></div><h2>The move opened a new chapter in my life</h2>As months unfolded, I discovered that when you leave space for it, life guides you to the places, people, and opportunities that are meant for you. Seven years later, I'm still living <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-couldnt-afford-retirement-in-california-moved-abroad-travel-happy-2024-10">happily outside the US</a>. While my decision to leave opened up a horizon of experiences beyond my wildest dreams and led me to the man of my dreams, it hasn't all been a bed of roses. The first year, I lived off savings while traveling slowly through Asia. I started my travels in India, where I spent 10 days at a silent meditation retreat, attended teachings by the Dalai Lama, and took a <keyword id="20626363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yoga-teacher-training" source="keywords">yoga teacher training</keyword>. I promptly got hooked on teaching yoga. After four months in India, I continued <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-pack-traveling-in-southeast-asia-singapore-thailand-bali-2023-9">making my way through Asia</a> for eight more months. I swam in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives, visited healers in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-family-kids-bali-decompress-relocate-slow-life-work-remote-2024-10">Bali</a>, witnessed breathtaking sunrise views from mountaintops in Laos, went island-hopped through the Philippines, rode motorbikes around Thailand's islands, and discovered ancient pagodas in Myanmar The cost of living in much of Asia is so low that savings can stretch a long way. I have high standards for my accommodations, and while traveling, I usually spent around $20 to $25 per night on hotels. Lower-maintenance friends of mine found simpler places for $6 per night in India. Meals usually cost around $3. After six weeks in India, I considered a lunch bill of $5 to be expensive. <h2>There have been times along the way when I've felt lost </h2>From time to time, I experienced stretches of feeling <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relocation-moved-to-milan-living-abroad-emotionally-exhausting-unspoken-truths-2023-9">unsettled and lacking a sense of purpose</a>. Over the years, I learned that those periods of doubt and uncertainty will continue to surface. But I also learned to just keep trusting, and the way forward would eventually reveal itself. People often ask me if I was ever afraid while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-women-need-to-know-traveling-solo-southeast-asia-tips-2022-12">traveling alone through Asia</a>. I never was — except a couple of times in India when riding on some precariously high Himalayan roads with no guardrails. But of people? I never had a reason to be. After a year away, I found an opportunity to teach yoga in a small mountain town in Myanmar. Life there was quiet, simple, and beautiful. I lived there for 9 months, and I was profoundly happy most of the time. But there were times <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/loneliness-how-to-make-friends-remote-worker-freelancer-new-city-2024-2">I felt lonely</a>. The locals were sweet and kind, with love in their eyes and actions, but I missed friends who spoke my language fluently, with whom I could have deep conversations over a glass of wine. And the dating scene? Nonexistent. <div type="image" title="Sonya Moore kissing a man at the airport" height="2118" width="1754" msid="115071453" hostid="261"></div><h2>I found love during my travels</h2>Another yoga teaching opportunity took me to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is not a big city, but after my small-town Myanmar life, it felt like Manhattan. There were so many restaurants, bars, social events, friends, and even some attractive single men. I fell in love with the town, the quality of life, and the locals. It was easy to get a tourist or work visa to live here long term, and it was almost as inexpensive as India and Myanmar. I was living in Siem Reap when COVID-19 hit. By that time, I was in a <keyword id="20752574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="long-distance-relationship" source="keywords">long-distance relationship</keyword> with a French man I met during my travels. After the closed borders of the pandemic kept us apart for 7 months, I moved to France to be with him. Our story was long and winding, but it felt like destiny. He <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/my-partner-couple-travel-together-full-time-one-date-2024-5">loves global travel</a> like I do. We've been together for four years and are living together in Papua New Guinea. Our plan is to go back to a nomadic slow-travel lifestyle. My career has gradually evolved to encompass creative pursuits that light me up inside: retreats, writing, photography, and yoga. I am deeply grateful to my former self for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-abroad-cheap-low-cost-living-high-quality-life-2024-1">choosing to leave the US</a>. I sometimes miss family and friends, but thanks to technology, our connection stays alive across the distance, and I go back to visit once a year. I still love America and feel lucky to have been born and raised there. But there's a big world out there waiting to be discovered. Do you have a personal essay about relocating to Asia that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:akarplus@businessinsider.com">akarplus@businessinsider.com</a>. November 11, 2024 — An earlier version of this story mentioned Trump becoming president was not the reason Moore left, it was not the only reason.

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